Organic 'Purple Russian' Tomato
Organic 'Purple Russian' tomato (Solanum lycopersicum) from the seed company Gaia, a mauve-red Ukrainian plum with a sweet flavor and remarkably versatile
The 'Purple Russian' tomato, also known as Ukrainian Purple, is a magnificent heirloom variety passed down by Irma Henkel in Ukraine. Indeterminate and highly productive, it forms plants with regular, slightly fuzzy foliage that bear an abundance of oblong, mauve-red fruits, weighing 5 to 7 oz and measuring approximately 7 to 10 cm long. Their elongated plum shape, smooth, spotless skin, and sweet, mild flesh make them a particularly sought-after tomato, both for eating fresh and for processing. Its rich, balanced flavor makes it a favorite among chefs, who appreciate both its crispness when sliced and its deep color on the plate.
'Purple Russian' excels in salads, salsas, sauces, and even preserves, thanks to its firm texture and ability to retain its flavor after cooking. It matures in 80 days , offering a reliable, generous, and remarkably high-quality harvest throughout the season.
Companion plants : Basil, parsley, carrot, asparagus, alliums, celery, borage, marigold, calendula, mint, sage, peppers, dill (until mature)
Negative plants : Potato, corn, kohlrabi, beetroot, fennel, peas, squash
Spread/Carry : Indeterminate, vigorous
Plant height : 150 to 200 cm
Quantity per packet : 25 seeds
Certification : Certified organic by Ecocert Canada
Special features : Oblong, purple-red fruits, sweet and mild flavor, ideal for sauces, salsas and preserves
Farming method
Sow indoors 6 to 8 weeks before the last frost. Sow seeds 3–6 mm (1/8–1/4") deep in a light potting mix and maintain a temperature of 23–29°C for rapid germination, in 5 to 10 days . Reduce watering and nitrogen during hardening off to strengthen seedlings and encourage vigorous growth.
Transplant outdoors when all risk of frost has passed. Space plants 60 to 90 cm (24 to 36 inches) apart with 120 to 180 cm (4 to 6 feet) between rows. Provide full sun (level 3) and regular watering (watering level 3) . Sturdy staking is essential to support the large quantity of elongated fruit.
Harvesting and preservation
Harvest when the purple-red color is fully developed. To get an earlier harvest, pick the tomatoes when they begin to color , then let them ripen off the vine at 22°C or higher . Store between 12 and 21°C with a relative humidity of around 95% to maintain their firm texture and natural sweetness.
Usage ideas
• Delicious in salads , thanks to its sweetness and firm texture
• Ideal for homemade salsas , where its sweet taste brings balance and depth
• Perfect for tomato sauces , its flesh holds up well during cooking
• Excellent preserved , in wedges or as a smooth sauce
The 'Purple Russian' tomato is a jewel of Ukrainian heritage: elegant, flavorful, and remarkably versatile. An essential variety for gardeners seeking an exceptional plum tomato, as beautiful as it is delicious, and perfectly suited to a multitude of culinary uses.
